Mom jailed for cursing in court yard

A mother of two was ordered to spend last night in custody, after pleading guilty to cursing expletives on the compound of the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

"I think a bigger message needs to be sent that you don't behave that way when you come here. You will be the standard bearer that people will behave," Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque said. The judge reprimanded the defendant Kemeisha Guthrie, who pleaded guilty to indecent language and disorderly conduct.

Guthrie, 23, is the defendant in a matter of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and attended the court to find out the date when that matter would be mentioned. However, she was heard by a policewoman using profanities while she stood in the courtyard.

"She starting behaving boisterous and I spoke to her and she said, 'Weh yuh ago do, lock me up?' and continued behaving in a boisterous manner," the investigator shared with the court.

"She is not going to be the one to lock you up, I am. Did the police tell you about your mother? Because that is highly offensive to Jamaicans these days," Cole-Montaque questioned.

"No Your Honour, me did just get a upset call. Dem [persons who called her] a try upset me. Your Honour, I told her that I am very sorry. I am very sorry Your Honour," Guthrie pleaded. She begged not to be remanded, as she risks losing her job.

"Your Honour, me nuh wah lose me work. Me love me work and the boss say if me miss work again, him a fire me. A it help me take care a me two baby dem and a me alone take care a dem. Please Your Honour," the defendant begged.

But her pleas were not accommodated, as the judge instructed the court police to assist Guthrie with phone calls.

"People come on the court compound and think is market dem come. How dare you come on the court compound and a cuss bad word! You are remanded in custody for the night. See you tomorrow [today]," the angered judge said.